Chez Joey

MYLES FROST

Joey Evans

Myles Frost (Joey Evans) is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, and music producer. In 2022, he became the youngest solo actor in history to win the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance as MJ in MJ the Musical. Myles was also nominated for a Grammy Award as principal vocalist on the MJ The Musical cast album. In 2024, Myles made his major motion picture debut in the role of Trayvon Martin in the biographical drama film Origin. Myles was recently nominated for a 2025 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his revised role as MJ in MJ the Musical UK. Among his numerous accolades, Myles proudly received the 76th Annual Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut Performance, the 2022 Chita Rivera Award, and recognition as a nominee for the 2022 Drama League Award, 2022 Drama Desk Award, and 2022 Outer Critics Circle Award. He has been celebrated as part of Variety’s 2022 Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, Ebony’s 2022 Power 100 List, The Root’s 2022 100 Most Influential Black Americans, the 2022 HBCU Top 30 Under 30, and the NAACP Theatre Spirit Award. At just 26, Myles Frost continues to defy expectations as a self-trained artist, actor, and musician.

AWA SAL SECKA

Linda English

Awa Sal Secka (Linda English) is elated to be back at Arena! Lastly, you may have seen her at Arena as Bea in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Her Off-Broadway and touring credits include Zawadi in Goddess at The Public and Bea on the National Tour of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, respectively. Local credits include Sarah in Ragtime at Signature, Joanne in Rent at the Kennedy Center, Mayme in Intimate Apparel at Theater J, The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods at Ford’s, and Ama in School Girls and Dottie in Caroline, or Change at Round House Theatre. Awa is a proud co-writer of the 2023 MacArthur Award-winning play The Joy that Carries You. She is immeasurably grateful to God, the Chez Joey team/cast, for her fiancé, Ryan, all her friends, family, and supporters, her agents at Nicolosi & Co., and for her mother, Fatou. Instagram: @_kujichagulia_

SAMANTHA MASSELL

Vera Simpson

Samantha Massell (Vera Simpson) is an actress, singer, writer, and filmmaker. She was last seen on Broadway as Hodel in the acclaimed revival of Fiddler on the Roof and made her Broadway debut at age 12 in Baz Luhrmann’s production of Puccini’s La Bohème. She has originated starring roles in many world-premiere musicals, including Rosalind Franklin in Double Helix (Bay Street), Rebecca in the revisal of Rags (Goodspeed Opera, Connecticut Critics Circle Award for Best Actress), Karla in The Flamingo Kid (Hartford Stage), and Florika in Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame (La Jolla Playhouse & Paper Mill Playhouse). On the small screen, Samantha is currently recurring on Doc, and has also recurred on Dynasty, Mr. Mercedes, and Chicago Fire, and guest-starred on NCIS: New Orleans, The Good Fight, and Elementary. BFA, University of Michigan, Phi Beta Kappa. For more: @smassellsings, www.samanthamassell.com

ANGELA HALL

Lucille Wallace

Angela Hall (Lucille Wallace) illuminated the Broadway stage as a featured performer in the Tony Award-winning musical Black and Blue, performing alongside jazz and tap legends such as Ruth Brown, Jimmy Slyde, and Bunny Briggs. She has performed in national touring companies of Big River and The Tap Dance Kid. Additional show credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Dancin’ in the Street, and For Colored Girls… Angela’s film and television credits include Modern Love, Mo’ Better Blues, Mad Love, Mr. Wonderful, and Bob Altman’s The Player. She holds a BFA in Musical Theater (Boston Conservatory), MS in Teaching (Fordham), and MS in Educational Administration (Fordham). She is thankful for her supportive family and to God for showers of bountiful blessings! Instagram: i_am_angelahall

KEVIN CAHOON

Melvin Snyder

Kevin Cahoon (Melvin Snyder) received Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for his role as Peanut in Shucked on Broadway. Other Broadway includes the original companies of The Lion King, The Wedding Singer, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, as well as The Who’s Tommy and The Rocky Horror Show. Off Broadway, Kevin was also part of the original companies of Hedwig and The Angry Inch, The Wild Party, and The Shaggs, as well as the revivals of How I Learned to Drive and The Foreigner, for which he received a Lortel nomination. On TV, Kevin created roles on Monarch, GLOW, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Nurse Jackie, and others. Films by Robert Zemeckis, Woody Allen, Madonna, and regional theaters such as The Guthrie, Williamstown, The Old Globe, among others.

LAMONT BROWN

Ensemble/Cat

Lamont Brown (Ensemble/Cat) makes his Arena Stage debut in Chez Joey. His D.C. credits include playing Joey in Guys and Dolls at the Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC). New York credits include the Broadway workshop of Disney’s Hercules and Riverdance (Radio City Music Hall). National Tour appearances include Funny Girl (1st National), Mean Girls (1st National), White Christmas, and 42nd Street (Andy Lee). Regional highlights include After Midnight, Chasing Rainbows (World Premiere), and 42nd Street (Goodspeed/Ordway/Drury Lane). He is also the co-creator and choreographer of Syncopated Avenue. Film/TV credits include Wu-Tang: An American Saga and Your Attention Please (Hulu). Lamont is a Creative Director and Capezio Athlete. Visit LBCreativesllc.com. Instagram: @LamontBrownNYC

CRYSTAL J FREEMAN

Ensemble/Cat, Understudy Lucille

Crystal J Freeman (Ensemble/Cat, Understudy Lucille), a Detroit native, brings an intense and heartfelt passion to every stage, celebrated for a versatility that shines from intimate theaters to grand concert halls. She discovered her deep love for music while studying under Dr. Nathan M. Carter at Morgan State University, an experience that included extensive international performance travel. Her powerful stage presence was quickly recognized in her debut as Woman #2 in Putting It Together with ArtsCentric. Crystal’s critically acclaimed portrayal of Effie White in Dreamgirls was hailed for its “explosive vulnerability.” Her regional work includes performing as Bulda in Frozen at the Olney Theatre Centre and as Granny and Cinderella’s Mother in Signature Theatre's production of Into the Woods. She lives in Baltimore with her wonderful daughters, to whom she dedicates every performance.

CHARIS MICHELLE GULLAGE

Ensemble/Ambrosial

Charis Michelle Gullage (Ensemble/Ambrosial) is thrilled to be making her debut at Arena Stage here in Washington DC, and to be a part of this revolutionary work that is Chez Joey! Her recent credits include: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical as Disco Donna (2nd National Tour), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical as Ikette 3/Tina US, Sister Act as Tina/Deloris Understudy (Asia Tour), Hairspray as Swing (Australian Tour), and more! She is beyond grateful to her support back in New Orleans, Rene’, Savion, and Tony. She dedicates this show to her grandmother, Alberta, who is the reason for her sound. ig: @charis_michelle1

NDAYA DREAM HOSKINS

Ensemble/Ambrosial

Ndaya Dream Hoskins (Ensemble/Ambrosial) is thrilled to be making her Arena Stage debut in Chez Joey! Her recent credits include her Broadway debut in SMASH (OBC, Assistant Dance Captain, u/s Anita), and Mrs. Doubtfire The National Tour (Vacation Swing), while simultaneously completing her BFA in Musical Theatre at Pace University (c/o 2025). Ndaya sends endless love and gratitude to God, her family, and her amazing team at Clear Talent Group! Jeremiah 29:11. Instagram: @ndaya.dream

MARCUS JOHN

Ensemble/Cat, Understudy Joey

Marcus John (Ensemble/Cat, Understudy Joey) Blessed to finally make his regional debut at home in the DMV. Hamilton: Philip Tour (Swing), International Tour (Standby), Sydney (Standby/Assistant Director). Tours: Rent 20th Anniversary (Benny), Mamma Mia (ensemble). Film: Dumb Money (Netflix). TV: Harlem (Amazon). Choreography: Neptune XXI Medicine Music Experience. Proudly represented by the team at DGRW. Pray often, worry not!

JOSH JOHNSON

Ensemble/Cat

Josh Johnson (Ensemble/Cat) is a Harlem-born tap and percussion artist whose journey began by dancing on New York City trains to help pay his way through Penn State University. His story of grit and generosity has been featured by The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, ABC World News, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he’s been a frequent guest. Josh has toured China as a lead tap artist with the Riverdance production and brought his rhythmic charisma to Dancing with the Stars and the sold-out NY Knicks season opener at Madison Square Garden. He has performed at iconic New York venues including the Cotton Club, the Blue Note, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club. Blending musicality, humor, and heart, Josh inspires audiences of all ages.

ADDI LOVING

Ensemble/Cat

Addi Loving (Ensemble/Cat) is a New York–based rising artist in the world of performing arts. Originally from North Carolina and St. Louis, she trained under Gene Medler and developed her foundation performing with The MUNY in St. Louis. A 2019 YoungArts winner and alum of Jacob’s Pillow, Addi has continued to build her career across stage and screen. She is a company member of Dorrance Dance, with whom she has toured nationally, and is signed with MSA Agency. Addi can also be seen in a major feature film set to release next spring. She is grateful for every opportunity to share her craft and her love of rhythm and storytelling.

KALEN ROBINSON

Ensemble/Ambrosial

Kalen Robinson (Ensemble/Ambrosial) is a singer, dancer, and actress making her Arena Stage debut! Kalen credits her success to God and her endlessly supportive village of family and friends who believe in her! Some of her notable DMV theatre credits include: Play On! at Signature Theatre, Paradise Blue (Pumpkin) at Studio Theatre, Finn (Seasil) and Look Both Ways National Tour at The Kennedy Center, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Olney Theatre, The Sensational Sea-Minkettes (Raquel/Dionne) at Woolly Mammoth, Metamorphosis at Folger Theatre. Her regional theatre credits include: Once on This Island (Ti Moune) at the Lyric Theatre, Cinderella and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne S.) at Fulton Theatre. Education: BFA in Musical Theatre at Howard University. Instagram: @k_nicole143 kalenrobinson.com

BROOKE TAYLOR

Ensemble/Ambrosial

Brooke Taylor (Ensemble/Ambrosial) is honored to be in alignment with Arena Stage’s production of Chez Joey. She can currently be seen on Broadway in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Her additional credits include Boop! The Musical (CIBC) and Tyler Perry’s A Jazzman’s Blues on Netflix. A proud graduate of the University of Michigan, Brooke is also pursuing certification in the Dunham technique, continuing her dedication to the legacy of black dance. Brooke believes deeply in the power of storytelling. She views performance as an opportunity to honor her ancestors, build community, and to connect with spirit. She wants to thank Tony and Savion for providing a space to explore, to be curious, to fail, and to grow in every way. For Grandma. Instagram: @Brooke.alexandria.taylor

ALANA S. THOMAS

Ensemble/Ambrosial

Alana S. Thomas (Ensemble/Ambrosial) she/her is overjoyed to be making her Arena Stage debut in Chez Joey! NEW YORK: Gallery Players: Ragtime; Theatre of War: Antigone In Ferguson. DC AREA: Dance Institute of Washington: Spirit of Kwanzaa; Constellation Theatre Company: Little Shop of Horrors (Ronette); Gala Hispanic Theatre: FAME The Musical (Mabel). REGIONAL: Signature Theatre: Play On! (CC); Imagination Stage: The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, P. Nokio; Virginia Repertory Theatre: In The Heights, The Color Purple, The Producers, White Christmas; Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival: Ragtime; Firehouse Theatre Company: Dessa Rose; Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: Legally Blonde The Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. OTHER: Summer of Love Concert Tour (Ikette dancer). EDUCATION: Virginia Commonwealth University AWARDS: Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical; Nomination (Ronette). She'd like to thank God, Eric, and her family for their love and the support from the Chez Joey team! @alanabesaiyan

JUSTIN MICHAEL DUVAL

Understudy Melvin

Justin Michael Duval (Understudy Melvin) is thrilled to make his Arena Stage debut. He recently appeared on the First National Tour of Girl From the North Country, which played the Kennedy Center, and has also toured with Dreamgirls, Jekyll & Hyde, and Happy Days. Regional credits include Papa Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe, Bill Sikes in Oliver! at Sharon Playhouse, Dennis Dupree in Rock of Ages, Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys, Gus in Cats, and Olaf in Frozen. On screen, Justin appeared in Garry Marshall’s film Valentine’s Day. He is the creator and performer of Righteous Harmony, a Righteous Brothers–inspired concert experience. Justin is a BFA graduate of California State University, Fullerton. Endless thanks to his wife Sam, Jill and Emma at Broad Talent Agency, and Savion, Tony, and Kevin. @jmduvalsings

JORDYN TAYLOR

Understudy Linda

Jordyn Taylor (Understudy Linda) is thrilled to return to Arena Stage! Her credits include Arena’s Damn Yankees (Ensemble / u/s Sister) and Unknown Soldier (Swing); Olney Theatre Center’s Senior Class (Ty’Quasia, u/s Marva); Spooky Action Theater’s Professor Woland’s Black Magic Rock Show (Margarita); Theater Alliance’s Covenant (Avery); Adventure Theater MTC’s She Persisted (Harriet Tubman/Flo Jo) [Helen Hayes nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performer], Junie B. Jones (Lucille, Bobbi Jean, José); Monumental Theatre’s American Psycho (Evelyn Williams) [Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble]; Signature Theatre’s Ragtime (Sarah’s Friend). TV/Film: PBS’s How Great Thou Art: A Sacred Celebration. Direction/Music Direction: NextStop Theatre’s Summer Theatre Adventures’ The Marvelous Wonderettes; Howard University’s Heathers the Musical. Howard University: BFA Musical Theatre (2023). Instagram: @favvvgeminiii TikTok: @jordyntaylorrr

KAREN VINCENT

Understudy Vera

Karen Vincent (Understudy Vera) is thrilled to be making her Arena Stage debut in Chez Joey! Much like the show itself, Karen’s career is a combination of musical theatre and jazz. She is a classically trained soprano who has been singing jazz for nearly two decades (releasing a self-titled jazz EP in 2014), while simultaneously building a career playing unique comedic characters in the DC regional theater scene. She has been nominated for several Helen Hayes Awards including Best Lead In A Musical for Kiss Me Kate at Nextstop Theatre and Elephant & Piggie's "We Are In A Play!" at Adventure Theatre, and Best Supporting Performer In A Musical for A Year with Frog and Toad at Imagination Stage. She just closed Hello, Dolly! at Olney Theatre Center for which she was the Dolly alternate.

JAILYN WILKERSON

Swing

Jailyn Wilkerson (Swing) is ecstatic to be making her Arena Stage debut! DC AREA: Signature Theatre: Play On!; Olney Theatre Center: Sleepova (Elle), Hello, Dolly!, Senior Class, Long Way Down. REGIONAL: Theatre by the Sea: 42nd Street, Sound of Music; Arizona Broadway Theatre: Hello, Dolly!, Beauty & the Beast. NATIONAL TOUR: American Girl Live!: In Concert. OTHER: Goodspeed New Works Festival: Little Miss Perfect, Photosynthesis. EDUCATION: National Cathedral School, The Hartt School—BFA in Musical Theatre #hartthasit. Immense amount of love to my Mom, Family and Friends Instagram: @jailyn_wilkerson www.jailynwilkerson.com

LAFAYETTE HARRIS JR.

Keys

Lafayette Harris Jr. (Keys) is a New York–based jazz pianist, composer, arranger, conductor, and educator renowned for his refined phrasing, passionate flair, deep knowledge of jazz tradition, and nuanced command of soul, funk, and classic pop idioms. A trusted “go-to” musician on the scene, Harris combines rhythmic vitality with harmonic sophistication, making him a first-call collaborator for bandleaders and artists alike. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Baltimore, Harris earned a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory and a Master of Music from Rutgers University, where he studied under master pianist Kenny Barron. Early in his career, legendary drummer Max Roach described him as a “phenomenal new voice on the music scene today,” after a decade-long touring and creative partnership that began in the mid-1990s. Harris has performed and recorded extensively with the Duke Ellington Legacy Orchestra, Houston Person, Archie Shepp, Melba Moore, and four-time Grammy nominee Ernestine Anderson. He also served as associate conductor and pianist for the Tony Award–winning musical Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk (Broadway, 1996). As a leader, his albums consistently garner acclaim. His 2020 release, You Can’t Lose with the Blues, spent two weeks at No. 1 on the JazzWeek radio chart and was a top-ten played jazz album of the year. His newest album, All in Good Time (released fall 2025), continues this success, featuring Jeremy Pelt and Houston Person, and has quickly climbed into the top ten of the JazzWeek radio chart. Whether on stage, behind the piano, in the classroom, or in the studio, Lafayette Harris Jr. remains a versatile, musical force—equally adept at honoring jazz’s legacy and charting new artistic territory.

NOLAN NWACHUKWU

Bass

Nolan Nwachukwu (Bass) is a New York City–based bassist, composer, bandleader, and producer. Originally from South Florida, Nolan studied jazz at the Dillard Center for the Arts. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music and has since become an in-demand collaborator, working with artists such as J’Nai Bridges, Michael Mwenso & The Shakes, Tyreek McDole, Jon Batiste, Miki Howard, Damien Sneed, Cisco Swank, Tina Fabrique, and FORAGER. Nolan has performed at venues and festivals including Carnegie Hall, Dizzy’s Jazz Club, the MET Museum, NPR Tiny Desk (Home), Umbria Winter Jazz Festival, and the Monterey Jazz Festival amongst others. He continues to tour nationally and internationally with a range of creative projects.

COREY RAWLS

Drums

Corey Rawls (Drums) is a versatile drummer, producer, and film composer with a Master’s in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University. He is known for his ability to perform across a wide range of genres. His scoring work includes multiple award-winning films, and his theater credits feature productions such as The Secret Life of Bees (Atlantic Theater) and Walk On Through (MCC Theater). Corey proudly endorses Yamaha Drums, Bosphorus Cymbals, and Collision Drumsticks.

DANIEL BEREKET

Trumpet

Daniel Bereket (Trumpet) is a trumpeter that has performed in several genres and formats. He started playing classical piano at the age of 5, and started playing classical trumpet at the age of 11. Daniel joined the El Camino Youth Symphony at the age of 13, performing throughout Poland and Germany with the orchestra. He then switched to jazz trumpet at the age of 15. Daniel was previously a member of the SF Jazz High School All-Stars and performed with the group in San Francisco, Monterey, and New York. Now, he plays with the Stanford Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble and other small ensembles around Stanford.

JALIN SHIVER

Saxophone

Jalin Shiver (Saxophone) is a saxophonist born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He began playing the alto saxophone in the fifth grade at Maple Avenue School in Newark, where his passion for music first took shape. Jalin continued his musical development at Arts High School before pursuing further studies at New Jersey City University. Over the years, he has had the pleasure of performing with renowned artists such as Christian McBride, Savion Glover, Gloria Gaynor, and many others. Today, Jalin is an active performer throughout the Tri-State area, bringing an expressive sound to every stage he plays.

ALEX DE LAZZARI

Clarinet

Alex De Lazzari (Clarinet) is emerging as one of New York’s strongest young voices on the tenor saxophone today. Originally born in Italy, he and his family moved to Northern Virginia in 2008, where he first picked up the clarinet and later the saxophone. After graduating from William Paterson University in 2021 where he studied with Vincent Herring, Harold Mabern, Rich Perry, and Mike LeDonne, Alex began to gain his footing in the New York Jazz scene. He has played with the likes of Winard Harper, Savion Glover, the Mingus Big Band, and James Zollar, and has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Blue Note, Smalls Jazz Club, and NJPAC. Alex looks forward to making his Arena Stage debut with Chez Joey.

RICHARD RODGERS

Music

LORENZ HART

Lyrics

RICHARD LAGRAVENESE

New Book

SAVION GLOVER

Choreographer, Orchestrologist, and Co-Director

TONY GOLDWYN

Co-Director

VICTOR GOULD

Music Supervisor

DEREK McLANE

Set Designer

EMILIO SOSA

Costume Designer

ADAM HONORÉ

Lighting Designer

DAN MOSES SCHREIER

Sound Designer

J. JARED JANAS

Wigs, Hair, and Makeup Designer

MORGAN HOLBROOK

Stage Manager

KELLY MERRITT

Assistant Stage Manager

DAYNE SUNDMAN

Assistant Stage Manager